ENews 2010-07

If you notice a break in the sequential numbering of ENews meaning you have missed an issue – this can happen for a variety of reasons – there is always a copy of the latest one displayed at www.cctmembers-newsletter.co.uk together with a full archive from Day 1 back on 3rd April 2006.

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The headlines today:

Digging and delving, in the archivesUpgrading towpath, helping change lives.We're on the telly, or could be soon,Merrywalks road works, approaching high noon.Update from Council, on the first phaseVolunteers sought, for boats and displays.

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NAVIGATING THE STROUDWATER ARCHIVES

Are you interested in archiving, computers, and the Stroudwater Navigation? Then this opportunity could be for you.

The Company of Proprietors of the Stroudwater Navigation [C of P] – is looking for a volunteer interested in becoming Project Leader to continue the development of their paper based archive into an electronic version, available via the internet to the community at large for educational, historical and social purposes.

Initially the Leader will liaise with the C of P to develop a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund – who have shown a real interest – and there will be some dialogue required with representatives of the community as their support is needed too. The successful candidate would then lead the delivery of the project.

The Stroud News & Journal tells us that work has started to upgrade the towpath between Ocean (behind the Stonehouse Court Hotel) and Downton Road Bridge in Stonehouse.

The project will last several weeks and where parts of the 700-metre stretch are closed diversions will be in place for users.

The work is being undertaken by Reach Gloucestershire, a company which provides employment and training for the long-term unemployed and offenders on community payback.

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NAVIGATING THE STROUDWATER NAVIGATION

The Beeb are scheduled to be filming shortly at Eastington (to see the dredger working) and from a boat in the Ryeford area, probably along the stretch below Ryeford Double Lock that has recently been cleared by volunteers.

A piece on canal restoration is being prepared for their popular Sunday evening Countryfile programme; whether Julia or Matt will be on board remains to be seen……

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NAVIGATING THE STROUDWATER TERMINUS

Gloucestershire County Council provided the following update on progress with the proposed A46 bridge work at Merrywalks/Wallbridge recently.

British Telecom – these works are taking longer than expected due to problems with the thickness of surfacing to break through in order to lay the new ducts. A further two weekends are required in order to complete these works, Saturday and Sunday the 10th & 11th and the 17th & 18th April.

Bridge Works – tenders for the construction of the bridge have been received from six contractors. Negotiations are under way to develop the most cost effective and efficient way to deliver the project before formally awarding the contract. It will only be awarded when both the County and District Councils have concluded the negotiations to their satisfaction.

Whilst there have been one or two delays (Upper Mills Bridge, A46 road works, dredging at Ryeford) the project is still more or less on budget and on target for completion of Phase 1A by January 2014.

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FACING THE PUBLIC

Whilst it has been a long time coming – I can confirm that spring is finally here!

That means the Roadshow is out and about providing information about the Trust, the restoration and Trust matters in general. The trip boats are running again, bringing pleasure to many on both charter and public excursions from their respective bases at Lechlade and Saul.

All these activities rely entirely upon volunteer support for their success. So please shake off those winter blues, come out of hibernation and see if you can lend a hand where and when you possibly can. Further information and full contact details appear on the Connect website Message Boards, I know that any of the Activity Leaders will be only too pleased to talk to you about what volunteering for their particular activity entails.

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ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS FOR APRIL AND MAY

For further information and contact details about items marked* please go to the Message Boards on the Activities and Rosters page at http://www.cct.teamconnect.org.ukIf you wish to become a registered volunteer just follow the "Register Me Now" link.

*Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00am: Maintenance activity at Western Depot *Saturdays from 9:00am: Plant restoration work parties*Weekdays and Weekends: Work Parties Cerney Wick area.

The primary objective of ENews is to keep members, volunteers and subscribers up to date with what is happening within the Cotswold Canals Trust as a whole. Any and all feedback is more than welcome.

Get a Twitter feed direct to your mobile or PC from http://www.twitter.com/cotswoldcanals

Any newsworthy items for consideration should be sent to postmaster@cctmembers-newsletter.co.uk but please remember I am always looking for a connection with the Stroudwater, the Thames & Severn or the CCT – however tenuous.